Ever dreamt of a place where life moves at a gentler pace, where nature’s wonders are just around the corner, and where you can truly feel at home? Well, let me tell you about Sarawak, the biggest state in Malaysia, and it’s got this amazing program called S-MM2H – think of it as your ticket to a long-term stay in this captivating land. Imagine a place bursting with different cultures living side-by-side, where you’ll hear all sorts of languages and see colorful traditions every day.1 And the best part? It’s not crowded at all, giving you plenty of space to breathe and explore.1 Whether you’re after a fancy hotel or a cozy homestay, Sarawak welcomes you with open arms.1 If you’re the adventurous type, get ready for mountains, rainforests, incredible caves, and stunning coastlines.1 Plus, Sarawak’s been a stable and thriving place for ages, with a friendly vibe that makes everyone feel welcome, especially folks looking for a second home.1
So, you’re thinking about making Sarawak your home away from home in 2025? The Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) program is your go-to.1 It’s like a special invitation from the Sarawak government to folks like you who want to settle in and become part of the local scene.3 Now, it’s important to know that S-MM2H is a bit different from the regular Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) program that the main government in Malaysia runs.2 Think of S-MM2H as specifically for Sarawak, with its own set of rules.6 The idea is simple: if you qualify, you get to live in Sarawak for a good long while, soaking up the unique lifestyle and beautiful surroundings.3 You could get a pass that lasts up to 10 years – it usually starts with a five-year pass that you can renew for another five, as long as you still meet the requirements then.3 And the perks? You could own a house here and really settle into a comfortable life surrounded by culture and nature.1
First Things First: Are You Eligible?
Before we get too excited, let’s see if the S-MM2H program for 2025 is the right fit for you. There are a few key things to consider, and some of the rules are getting a little update starting January 1, 2025.3
One of the main things is your age. As of 2025, you’ll need to be at least 30 years old to apply for S-MM2H.3 This makes things a bit simpler, as there used to be different age groups with different conditions.5 This new rule might open the door for more people who are looking for a long-term stay in Sarawak.
Your nationality also matters. You’ll need to be a citizen of a country that Malaysia has good terms with, meaning they have diplomatic relations.3 This is pretty standard for these kinds of programs, as it’s all about having those official connections between countries.
While the big changes for 2025 are mainly about age and nationality, it’s worth remembering that in the past, things like owning property in Sarawak or having a good reason to stay long-term (like needing medical treatment or having kids in local schools) could also play a role.8 If you have a specific situation, it’s always best to check the official S-MM2H website to get the full picture of all the requirements.
The Money Talk: Showing You're Financially Sound
Okay, let’s talk about the financial side of things. The S-MM2H program wants to make sure you can comfortably live in Sarawak without needing any help from public funds.3
A big part of this is setting up a fixed deposit account. If you’re applying in 2025, you’ll need to put RM500,000 into a fixed deposit account at any local bank in Sarawak.3 This amount is the same whether you’re applying on your own or with family. This is a bigger amount than what was needed before (like the RM150,000/RM300,000 mentioned in older info 6), so it shows they’re really focusing on making sure applicants are financially secure.
Now, while that initial deposit needs to stay put for a while, there’s some flexibility. After you’ve been in the S-MM2H program for a year, you might be able to take out up to half of your fixed deposit for certain approved things.9 These usually include buying a house in Sarawak, getting a car, paying for medical stuff in Sarawak, or covering your kids’ education at schools here.9 The idea is that this money will be spent in Sarawak, which helps the local economy.9
Besides the fixed deposit, you’ll also need to show that you have a steady income coming from outside Malaysia or that you have a good amount of savings.5 If you’re applying on your own, you’ll need to show a monthly income of at least RM10,000 from overseas, and if you’re applying as a couple, it’s a combined RM15,000.5 If you don’t have a monthly income to show, you can instead prove that you have personal savings of at least RM100,000 if you’re single, or a combined RM200,000 if you’re a couple.5 So, whether it’s through a solid fixed deposit and a good income or substantial savings, the program wants to ensure you’re well-prepared for your long-term stay in Sarawak.
Just to give you a quick idea, here’s a little table summarizing the main financial bits for the 2025 S-MM2H program:
What You Need | If You’re Applying Alone (RM) | If You’re Applying as a Couple (RM) |
Minimum Fixed Deposit in Sarawak | 500,000 | 500,000 |
Minimum Monthly Income from Overseas | 10,000 | 15,000 |
Minimum Savings You Need to Show | 100,000 | 200,000 |
How to Apply: Going Solo or Getting Help?
When it comes to actually applying for the S-MM2H program in 2025, you’ve got a couple of main ways to go about it.4
First up is applying directly. This means you gather all your documents and personally hand them in at the One-Stop Center of the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) in Kuching, Sarawak.6 Now, here’s a key thing about applying directly: you’ll need to have a sponsor who is a Sarawakian citizen and currently lives in Sarawak.4 Also, one sponsor can usually only support one S-MM2H application at a time.4 For many folks coming from overseas who might not have close connections in Sarawak, finding a local sponsor could be a bit tricky, which might make this route less appealing.
The other option is getting some help. You can choose to use a licensed S-MM2H agent to guide you through the application process.4 In many cases, these licensed agents are the only ones who are actually allowed to submit S-MM2H applications for foreigners.6 To make things more reliable and official, the Sarawak government is starting to license its own S-MM2H agents in 2025.13 This means it’s really important to use agents who are officially recognized and licensed. It’s a good idea to look for the official list of licensed S-MM2H agents on the MTCP website or the Sarawak Tourism Board website once it’s available. Right now, the information I have doesn’t have a direct link to this list 1, so you’ll want to double-check through official channels to make sure your agent is legit.
Gathering Your Important Papers
Getting all your documents in order is a super important step in the S-MM2H application. Based on what I’ve found, here’s a general idea of what you’ll likely need 5:
- A Letter of Application – this is where you formally say you want to apply.14
- One copy of the MM2H Application Form (make sure it’s the one for Sarawak). You can usually download this from the MTCP website.14
- One copy of the IM.12 Application Form (Social Visit Pass Form). You’ll need one for yourself and each family member coming with you.14
- The Personal Bond Form, which needs a stamp that costs RM10.00.14
- One copy of the BK Form (Sponsor’s Particular Form).14
- Certified copies of every single page of your current Passport / Travel Documents. If you got a new passport in the last year, you’ll also need a certified copy of your old one. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 24 months.5
- Five passport-sized color photos with a blue background.5
- If you’re applying directly, you’ll need a certified copy of your Sponsor’s Identity Card and a Cover Letter from your Sponsor.14
- Solid proof of your Financial Stability, like bank statements, pension slips, job confirmation letters, and the certified copy of your Fixed Deposit Statement from a bank in Sarawak.5
- A Letter of Good Conduct from your home country (for everyone over 18).5
- If you’re married and your spouse is coming, you’ll need a certified copy of your Marriage Certificate (it might need to be in English).5
- If you have kids coming with you, you’ll need certified copies of their Birth Certificates or legal adoption papers (again, these might need to be in English).5
- A Health Report from a certified medical place in Sarawak and the RB II Form.5
- Be ready to pay the Visa fee (RM500 per year) and possibly a Security bond, the amount of which depends on where you’re from.5
Getting all these documents together and properly certified is super important for a smooth application. Pay attention to things like how many copies you need, whether they need to be certified, and if there are any language requirements. This will help you avoid any delays.
What Happens Next? Official Places to Check
Once you’ve got all your paperwork sorted, it’s time to submit your application. If you’re going the direct route, you’ll need to take it in person to the MTCP office in Kuching.6 If you’re using a licensed agent, they’ll usually handle the submission for you.6 Keep in mind that they generally don’t accept online applications or applications sent by mail.8
The usual time it takes to process an S-MM2H application is around 90 working days.4 However, this can sometimes take longer if they need to do more background and security checks.4 Also, starting January 1, 2025, there’s a one-time, non-refundable fee of RM5,000.00 for all new S-MM2H applications, and you’ll need to pay this when they acknowledge your application.11
As part of the process, everyone applying will need to get a medical check-up at an approved medical center in Sarawak. If you go to a private clinic, you might need to get your medical form and results certified by a government doctor at a public hospital or clinic.8 If your application gets approved, you’ll probably need to visit the immigration office to get your S-MM2H visa stamped in your passport.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information about the S-MM2H program for 2025, including the application forms and any recent news, it’s really important to check these official websites 6:
- Sarawak Tourism Board (Official S-MM2H Website): https://smm2h.sarawaktourism.com/.1
- Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP): https://mtcp.sarawak.gov.my/.3
- Service Sarawak: https://service.sarawak.gov.my/web/web/home/sla_view/0/656/.12
If you have any specific questions or need more help, you can also call the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) directly at 082-442226.12
You're Approved! Now What?
So, your S-MM2H application got the green light – fantastic! Here are a few important things to keep in mind as you settle into life in Sarawak. Your first pass will likely be good for up to five years, and you’ll need to renew it if you want to stay longer (potentially for another five years, making it ten in total).8 When it’s time to renew, they’ll just check if you still meet the program’s requirements.
To keep your S-MM2H status active, you’ll generally need to spend at least 30 days in Sarawak each year.3 This usually applies to the main applicant.5 It’s just to make sure you’re still connected to the state.
Generally, you’re not allowed to work or run a business in Malaysia if you’re on an S-MM2H pass.8 However, there might be some exceptions for people who are 50 and older. They might be able to do some part-time professional work in certain approved areas, but there will be limits on how many hours they can work. Also, they might be able to be a minority partner in a joint business with locals in approved sectors, but there will be some conditions and investment amounts to consider.7
One of the great things about the S-MM2H program is that you can buy a house in Sarawak, as long as you follow the rules set by the Sarawak Land and Survey Department under the Sarawak Land Code. There are minimum prices for foreigners buying property, and these can be different depending on where you’re looking – for example, properties in Kuching might have a higher minimum price than in other areas.4 You might also be able to sell your property after a certain period, like five years.10
The S-MM2H program also lets you bring some family members with you as dependents, like your spouse, unmarried kids under 21, and maybe even your parents.2 Just keep in mind that your family members might get different types of passes, like yearly social passes or student passes if your children are going to school in Sarawak.8
Wrapping Up: Your Sarawak Adventure Awaits
Sarawak is a truly special place, offering a wonderful mix of culture, stunning nature, and a peaceful way of life that many people dream of in a second home. The Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) program for 2025 is a real chance for folks from all over the world to experience this amazing lifestyle. As you think about taking this big step, remember to really explore the official resources from the Sarawak Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP). Take a good look at the updated rules for who can apply and the financial stuff, get familiar with how to apply, and make sure you get all your documents ready. If you have any questions or need more information, don’t hesitate to reach out to the MTCP or talk to a licensed S-MM2H agent. With a little planning and a good understanding of the process, your journey to making Sarawak your beloved second home can begin!
References
- Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H), accessed May 17, 2025, https://smm2h.sarawaktourism.com/
- MM2H- Malaysia My Second Home Visa, accessed May 17, 2025, https://mm2h.co/
- Sarawak MM2H New Requirements 2025, accessed May 17, 2025, https://officialmm2h.com/sarawak-mm2h-new-requirements-2025/
- S-MM2H : Make Sarawak Your Second Home by Chen Ling Group, accessed May 17, 2025, https://chenling.com.my/s-mm2h-make-sarawak-your-second-home-by-chen-ling-group/
- Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H) Visa Application Guide | Lifestyle Consulting Company, IKI LINKS in Johor Bahru Malaysia, accessed May 17, 2025, https://ikilinks.com/en/s-mm2hvisa-en/
- New requirements for Sarawak – Malaysia My Second Home (S …, accessed May 17, 2025, https://investsarawak.gov.my/new-requirements-for-sarawak-malaysia-my-second-home-s-mm2h-in-2025/
- Sarawak MM2H Requirements | Detailed Guide – Premia TNC, accessed May 17, 2025, https://premiatnc.com/my/blog/sarawak-mm2h-requirements/
- Frequently asked questions – Sarawak-Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H), accessed May 17, 2025, https://smm2h.sarawaktourism.com/faqs/
- What is the Sarawak MM2H Visa and How to Apply – Offshore in Asia, accessed May 17, 2025, https://offshoreinasia.com/sarawak-mm2h-visa/
- End of Sarawak MM2H 2024: Key Sarawak MM2H 2025 Updates You Should Know, accessed May 17, 2025, https://officialmm2h.com/sarawak-mm2h-2025-updates/
- enhancement of s-mm2h requirements – Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, accessed May 17, 2025, https://mtcp.sarawak.gov.my/admin/file_manager/download/?id=2319
- New Application for Sarawak Malaysia My Second Home (S-MM2H …, accessed May 17, 2025, https://service.sarawak.gov.my/web/web/home/sla_view/0/656/
- Sarawak MM2H, accessed May 17, 2025, https://officialmm2h.com/category/sarawak-mm2h/
- New Application MM2H – Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and …, accessed May 17, 2025, https://mtcp.sarawak.gov.my/web/subpage/webpage_view/153
- Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak, accessed May 17, 2025, https://mtcp.sarawak.gov.my/web/home/index/
